Will you trust in faulty man-provided lights? Will you walk according to the counsel of the ungodly, the admonition of the pagan psychologist, the pressure of peers, the philosophies of this present age, the mystic teachings of spiritualists, the doctrines of false religious teachers, or the fickle and double-minded whims of your own flesh and mind? If so, your light will do you wrong and then be proven foolish.

… Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that you have kindled! This you have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment (Isaiah 50:10-11 ESV).

In this text, we see the sadness of men who walk about in darkness. Since all have sinned and joined the unholy coalition of Lucifer, this is the natural condition of all individuals. All men and women are like sheep wandering about without a shepherd. They are like blind men groping about in darkness. Without light they are in a constant danger and confusion; disaster is always right around the corner.

Therefore, in an effort to make sense out of life, some men manufacture their own torches and provide their own light. They trust themselves. They follow their heart. They do that which seems right in their own eyes. They are a light unto themselves, and they will fail and fall. And in the end, in the words of Isaiah, “They shall lie down in torment.”

However, others who struggle with darkness, they “trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God.” They are children of light who trust in the Light of the World, and they are not overcome by the darkness. Wisdom is always at hand; blessings are new every morning; and while they encounter trials and tests everyday, the Lord is with them. And when their trek through the Valley of the Shadow of Death is complete, they will not lie down in torment, but dance in the light of the Radiant Christ.

So friends, will you trust in faulty man-provided lights? Will you walk according to the counsel of the ungodly, the admonition of the pagan psychologist, the pressure of peers, the philosophies of this present age, the mystic teachings of spiritualists, the doctrines of false religious teachers, or the fickle and double-minded whims of your own flesh and mind? If so, your light will do you wrong and then be proven foolish. Consequently, you will perish along with your devilish torch.

Instead, place your faith in Christ and in his Word. His guidance will be invaluable today and forever. He is the Beautiful Savior who is also the Wonderful Counselor. His words are a lamp for your feet and a light for your path. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; he is also the Light that shines in the darkness.

Joseph A. Franks IV is a minister in the Presbyterian Church in America and is Pastor of Palmetto Hills Presbyterian Church in Simpsonville, South Carolina. This article first appeared on his blog, and is used with permission.